The Journalism and Documentary Film Academy is a 'hands-on' media production program in which participants write, direct and edit short narrative, documentary or journalistic film projects. Using midtown St. Louis as a backdrop, participants will produce projects focused in the areas of food, fashion/style, sports or travel. Projects will be based upon fieldwork conducted in midtown St. Louis and trips to local restaurants, shops, media production studios and sports venues. The week-long program ends with a mini-film festival on Friday afternoon where participants 'premiere' their films for an audience.

Students will work in a high-end media production space where they will learn to use digital equipment and Final Cut Pro editing software, as well as SLU's broadcast studio. SLU professors with professional experience in digital production and journalism will lead the academy; guest instructors will include a Los Angeles-based television editor.

The academy is designed for high school students who want to learn more about careers in broadcast journalism, documentary film making, video editing or television production. Students of all skill levels are welcome. Both boys and girls are eligible to apply for this program.